As we discussed earlier, protecting the furnishings of a home from the harmful effects of UV radiation, while preserving the view out of the windows is a challenge. Some of the more common answers include; sheer draperies, solar screen shades, shading systems such as Silhouettes or grass cloth shades. All of these options handle the task of blocking UV to some extent. But all also inhibit the view through the window.

Thre are two options to consider that block the UV to a very high level, without diminishing the view. The first is Plantation Shutters. Shutters with 3 1/2″ or 4 1/2″ louvers allow an almost uninterrupted view while bouncing the harmful rays of the sun back outside. It is important to note that the louvers should be tilted horizontally, to slightly up. If the louver is tilted down, the suns rays are invited into the home.

The second option that can be used alone, or with any other window treatment, is window film. The newer window films from 3M are called Prestige films. These are non-metallic films made of ceramic materials. They are non reflective, and have a minor change to the quality of light within the room.

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As our business services most of the ocean and lake front communities from Camden Maine to Winnipesaukee to Cape Cod, we are often asked what is the best products to choose when the home is on the Ocean or lake front. In the next few posts I will share some of our experiences in dealing with the unique challenges of water front window treatments.

In this first post, I would like to layout some of these unique challenges.

• Obviously the primary challenge is preserving the view. That view is the reason these clients live where they do. Choosing a treatment that will obstruct that view, just doesn’t work.
• UV protection is often the second challenge we must deal with. Most often, whatever product is chosen for waterfront windows, the treatment is raised or drawn to the side during the day to preserve the view, allowing the harmful rays of the sun to do damage to home furnishings.
• Heat and glare go hand-in-hand with UV protection, offering the same challenges
• Privacy is a continual challenge as well. If a product is chosen that can be seen through during the day, than people outside of the home can see in during the evening hours if the lights are on in the home.
• Finally, security and weatherproofing are often considerations in the design process. Water front homes are often second homes and therefore empty much of the year. The higher winds that are common in these areas are also a problem as they blow against the large window walls and picture windows that these homes commonly have.

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